How the exterior paint calculator works
How much does a gallon of exterior paint cover?
Exterior paint labels typically promise about 250–400 square feet per gallon for one coat. Smooth vinyl or fiber-cement siding sits near the top of that range; rough cedar, stucco, brick and block soak up much more paint, so plan on 250 or less.
| Siding | Planning coverage per gallon |
|---|---|
| Smooth vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement | 350–400 sq ft |
| Painted wood lap siding | 300–350 sq ft |
| Rough-sawn wood, T1-11 | 250–300 sq ft |
| Stucco, brick, block (first coat) | 150–250 sq ft |
Buy in 5-gallon buckets
Most houses need more than five gallons, and a 5-gallon bucket is usually cheaper per gallon than single cans. It also keeps the color identical across the whole house. The calculator rounds to buckets plus single gallons and switches to an extra bucket when you would otherwise need four or more single cans.
Don't forget
- Primer for bare wood, repairs and big color changes.
- Trim paint for fascia, corner boards, window casings and doors.
- Caulk, scraping and power washing — prep is what makes exterior paint last.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How much exterior paint do I need for a 2,000 sq ft house?
It depends on the wall area, not the floor area. A two-story 40×25 ft house has about 2,340 sq ft of walls; after openings and with two coats at 300 sq ft per gallon, that is roughly 14–15 gallons — three 5-gallon buckets.
How many gallons of paint to paint a house exterior?
Many single-story homes need 6–10 gallons for two coats; two-story homes often need 12–20 gallons. Use the calculator for your house size and siding.
Do I need two coats of exterior paint?
Two coats are recommended for color changes, bare wood and weathered siding. A single coat of a quality paint can work when repainting in the same color over sound paint.